Northeast Tennessee students and their parents who need information on how to obtain financial aid for college can find that information, along with practical, hands-on help at Tusculum College on Sunday, February 22, during the College Goal Sunday event.
The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Annie Hogan Byrd Auditorium. Tusculum College is welcoming high school and other prospective students to College Goal Sunday for free, on-site professional assistance in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA completion is a prerequisite to receiving financial aid at any college or university. Financial aid professionals will also be present to talk about financial aid resources and how to apply for them.
The informational session is open to anyone, free-of-charge, whether they plan to attend Tusculum College or another college or university. Even those who are unsure whether they plan to attend college are encouraged to participate in College Goal Sunday. By filling out the FAFSA no obligation to attend college is created; however, by completing the FAFSA form critical deadlines will not be missed if the student decides to apply to college later in the year.
College Goal Sunday is a non-profit program that provides free information and assistance to Tennessee families applying for financial assistance for higher education. College Goal Sunday mobilizes financial aid professionals from Tennessee colleges, universities, career colleges and technology centers to help families of college-bound students complete the FAFSA, the federally required form for students seeking financial aid, including grants, scholarships and loans, throughout the nation.
Tennessee’s College Goal Sunday programs will take place on February 22 at locations around the state. Students and families in low-income and minority communities who need help applying for financial aid to attend college should not miss College Goal Sunday, but all students and their families are encouraged to attend.
This one-day event will help families of college-bound students take the first step in applying for college by meeting with financial aid professionals to receive help in completing and filing electronically the financial aid forms for the student. Students and their parents should bring:
* completed 2008 IRS 1040 tax returns
* W-2 statements and other 2008 income and benefits information
* If students worked last year, they should bring their income information
* Students are encouraged to bring their own FAFSA on the Web Worksheets and their U.S. Department of Education Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) if filing online.
* Parents will also need to obtain a PIN to file online. Obtain our PIN prior to College Goal Sunday by going to www.pin.ed.gov.
This information is helpful to complete the FAFSA. Those lacking some of the above items and information may still attend and benefit from College Goal Sunday, however.
For additional information about College Goal Sunday being held at Tusculum College, please contact Stacey McDonald at 1.800.729.0256 or 423.636.7300 ext. 5656. General information about College Goal Sunday can be obtained from the website at www.tn.gov/collegegoalsunday.
College Goal Sunday is an effort of the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, Tennessee Higher Education Commission with support from the Tennessee Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Other sponsors include the Tennessee Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and the Tennessee Association of Special Programs-TRIO.
Parents get assistance with filling out financial aid documents during the 2008 College Goal Sunday.